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Funeral Apprentice Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Funeral Apprentice information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$5

$20

$26

How much do funeral apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for funeral apprentice in Riverside, CA is $20.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to be a mortuary assistant?

To become a funeral apprentice or mortuary assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to handle sensitive situations; some employers may require certification or training in funeral service practices. On-the-job training is common, and a background in healthcare or science can be beneficial.

What does a typical workday look like for a Funeral Apprentice?

A typical day for a Funeral Apprentice involves assisting licensed funeral directors with preparing the deceased, arranging service logistics, and supporting families throughout the funeral process. You may help with tasks such as documentation, coordinating visitations, embalming under supervision, and setting up ceremonies. The role often includes both office-based work with administrative duties and hands-on work in funeral homes or crematories. Funeral Apprentices work closely with a small team, gaining exposure to every aspect of funeral service, which helps build skills and knowledge for eventual licensure.

What is a Funeral Apprentice job?

A Funeral Apprentice is a trainee who works under the supervision of a licensed funeral director or embalmer to learn the skills and responsibilities of the funeral profession. Duties typically include preparing bodies, assisting with funeral services, meeting with families, and handling administrative tasks. This role provides hands-on experience and is often a step toward obtaining full licensure. Apprentices must follow state regulations and complete required training hours. It is a demanding yet rewarding career focused on providing compassionate care to grieving families.

How much does a funeral apprentice make?

A funeral apprentice typically earns between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Apprentices often work under supervision and may receive additional benefits or stipends during training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Funeral Apprentice position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Funeral Apprentice, you should possess a foundational knowledge of mortuary science, attention to detail, and the ability to follow legal and ethical guidelines, typically demonstrated by enrollment in a funeral service education program or relevant training. Familiarity with embalming equipment, funeral management software, and safety protocols is often required. Compassion, emotional resilience, and strong interpersonal communication skills are vital soft skills for supporting grieving families and working alongside licensed funeral directors. These abilities ensure respectful, organized, and compliant funeral services while maintaining sensitivity to the needs of those experiencing loss.

How to become a mortician's apprentice?

To become a mortician's apprentice, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some states require completion of a formal apprenticeship program or on-the-job training under a licensed funeral director. Gaining knowledge of embalming, casketing, and funeral service procedures, along with obtaining relevant certifications or licenses, is essential for advancement in the field.

Can I work at a morgue with no experience?

Funeral apprenticeships or entry-level positions at morgues typically do not require prior experience, but candidates should be willing to learn and may need to complete training or certifications related to handling human remains and safety procedures. Employers often provide on-the-job training to develop necessary skills in areas such as sanitation, embalming, and respectful handling of bodies.
What are the most commonly searched types of Funeral jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Funeral jobs in Riverside, CA are:
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What job categories do people searching Funeral Apprentice jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Funeral Apprentice jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Funeral Apprentice jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Funeral Apprentice job openings:
Funeral Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Funeral Apprentice job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $42,078 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Funeral Support Specialist

Funeral Support Specialist

Service Corporation International

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Service Corporation International rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 8 rated funeral services

Job description

Our associates celebrate lives. We celebrate our associates.

A Funeral Support Specialist is responsible for assisting with funeral home and cremation related duties, which includes physical work, and office related tasks. Duties include first call removals, assisting with casketing, setting up visitation areas and driving company vehicles. Office duties include meeting the public, answering phones courteously and in a polite manner and assisting with funeral, memorial and other services or ceremonies as requested. The ability to lift up to 75 pounds and work an on-call rotation schedule including weekends is required.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Safely drives company owned professional vehicles to perform "first call" removals of deceased from hospital, nursing home, residence, scene locations, to transport to the funeral home or designated location, in accordance with local and state laws as well as company policies and procedures
  • Follows processes for chain-of-custody, paperwork and deceased identification
  • Cooperates with first responders, Medical Examiners, hospital staff, etc., and accommodates their processes and procedures
  • For home removals or any removals whereby family members are present, courteously and professionally interacts with bereaved family members; exhibits sensitivity to environment; follows company procedures regarding required documentation; leaves a warm and courteous first impression
  • Maintains and ensures removal vehicle is clean inside and out and is properly maintained and fueled
  • Maintains adequate supply of Personal Protective Equipment as well as cleaning supplies, in removal vehicles
  • Directs phone calls to appropriate team members
  • Greets and receives client families and/or other persons entering the building for information and assistance
  • Maintains a friendly attitude while offering assistance and guidance to all persons entering the location
  • Assists passengers in and out of vehicles with special emphasis and patience given to the handicapped and elderly
  • Assists the Funeral Director in the movement of the casketed deceased and other related paraphernalia in and out of the visitation area, funeral home chapel, church or other place of service
  • Assists Funeral Director and/or Licensed Apprentice with dressing and casketing deceased, and placing in appropriate cremation containers
  • Drives the hearse or other vehicle in the funeral cortege and/or other funeral related activities
  • Performs a variety of tasks during funerals and visitations to assist funeral directors to ensure that services run smoothly as planned
  • Transport deceased to and from the crematory; to airports; funeral homes and other designated locations
  • Run errands such as for floral delivery, picking up of supplies, documents, etc.

MINIMUM Requirements

Education

  • High School diploma or equivalent

Certification/License

  • Valid state/province driver's license with a clean driving record

Experience

  • Customer service experience a plus
  • Funeral service experience a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Professional appearance required. Suits are required when in contact with families; casual attire for vehicle maintenance, general cleaning and outdoor maintenance responsibilities
  • Ability to follow instructions given over the phone or in person
  • Ability to work and communicate effectively with others
  • Ability to work with kindness and compassion for the deceased and their families
  • Ability to maintain composure in challenging situations
  • Good verbal and written communications skills
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to work an on-call rotation schedule including weekends

Work CONDITIONS

When considering the work hours associated with this job, the following factors may apply:

Work Environment

  • Work indoors and outdoors during all seasons and weather conditions
  • Using company vehicle, travel local and surrounding communities, occasionally out of state; no overnight travel
  • Professional Dress is required when in contact with families

Work Postures

  • Frequent, continuous periods of time standing
  • Climbing stairs to access buildings

Physical Demands

  • Physical effort requiring manual dexterity
  • Ability to lift up to 75 pounds; push/pull up to 200 pounds

Work Hours

  • Working beyond "standard" hours as the need arises including weekends, nights and holidays rotation
  • Must be able to work an on-call schedule

Compensation:
Salary: $19.00/hr.

Benefits:
Medical*Dental*Vision*Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care) *Health Savings Account with Company Contribution*Sick Leave*Short-Term Disability*Long-Term Disability*Life Insurance*Voluntary Accidental Death or Dismemberment Insurance*Dependent Life Insurance*SCI 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company match*Employee Assistance Program

Postal Code: 92705Category (Portal Searching): OperationsJob Location: US-CA - Santa Ana

What Service Corporation International employees say

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